I am about to finish my second week at my new post here at Grace Church. During this time I managed to misplace my wallet, get lost on the 501 and turn the wrong way on a one-way street (at least once!). My wife has been sick almost this whole time we’ve been separated and we’ve had to make adjustments to our moving schedule. Please continue to pray for her recovery. She is starting to feel better now and I can’t wait to see her (and Joshua!) this Sunday night!

On the other hand, these have been days filled with the joy of meeting new people and learning the ways of our office on 501 West Lincoln. I am very thankful for a staff which has been welcoming and fully cooperative as I am making this transition. I admire all those who stuck around, worked hard and prayed hard for the last two years. I believe that the best years are still ahead of us and I look forward with anticipation to walk this journey with you.

The purpose of this weekly blog is to encourage the people of Grace Church and to highlight some of the thoughts God has been impressing upon my heart, as I prepare for the following Sunday.

This week God has spoken to me through a couple of verses from Colossians, “He forgave us all our sins, having cancelled the written code (“certificate of debt,” “promissory note,” if you will), with its regulations that was against us (we still had much debt outstanding, actually, all of it!) and that stood opposed to us (the debt collector, our enemy, didn’t leave us alone, keeping us under bondage, making us feel guilty); he took it away, nailing it to the cross.” (1:13-14).

Isn’t it great to know that we no longer have to live in fear? That Christ has satisfied all the demands imposed on us by God and now we can be free and fulfilled. I think that is absolutely awesome!

This week I will speak on the topic of “A Vision for God’s Glory.” I trust you will plan to join us and invite of your friends to come as well. We will be reminded of who God is in all His power and splendor and how this ought to impact the way we live today. I know you will be encouraged.

Last week we got the names of 257 people who our people were committing to inviting to one of our services during this Christmas Series. You have two more Sunday mornings to invite and, of course, four services on Christmas Eve, 4:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Our staff is praying for every one of those people whose names you gave us last Sunday.